About The Arc
Achieving full community life for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities — one person at a time.
The Arc of Howard County is a private nonprofit organization that began as a parent support group in 1961. Its initial grassroots support has grown into a multi-service agency that provides supports for nearly 300 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Arc of Howard County employs over 300 staff who are dedicated to providing person-centered supports that help people live fully integrated lives in their community.
The Arc of Howard County employs over 300 staff who are dedicated to providing person centered supports that help people live fully integrated lives in their community.
Our Vision
Full community life means allowing people to express their choices and have confidence that others will honor those choices, ensuring that those we support are able to choose how and with whom they spend their time and are able to work at a challenging and rewarding job.
The Arc of Howard County Way
The Arc of Howard County is an agency dedicated to four principles (known as The Arc of Howard County Way) that serve as the cornerstone of our organization. These principles reflect our priorities and are our guideposts to embrace the meaning of our mission.
The Arc of Howard County commits to a person-centered approach so that each person we support can access optimal opportunities to achieve their goals.
The Arc of Howard County commits to providing community-based experiences so that people we support can benefit from full integration and live enviable lives at home, at work and at play.
The Arc of Howard County commits to providing the necessary supports for people seeking employment, day habilitation, residential, and retirement services.
The Arc of Howard County commits to providing the appropriate training and support of staff so they can best administer optimal support to people with disabilities.
Core Values
Through our affiliation with The Arc of the United States, we identify with and apply the following core values in all aspects of our service delivery.
People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) have human dignity. The lives of people with IDD have value.
People with IDD have varying strengths, abilities, and interests. Each person is unique.
People with IDD can make decisions about their lives. People with IDD should be supported to do so as requested or needed
People with IDD have human and civil rights, which must be protected.
People with IDD are part of and contribute to the fabric of society. Everyone benefits when people with IDD are present and participate.
People with IDD have differing support needs. Society must support people with IDD to achieve their full potential. Society should also help families who provide support for loved ones with IDD.
Society must remove barriers and correct injustices that limit opportunities for people with IDD. Extra action is needed to help people with IDD and their families who face other forms of bias or discrimination.
Human diversity is beautiful and powerful. We celebrate, honor, and seek to understand the differences in our identities and life experiences.
Programs & Services
The Arc of Howard County provides services to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities that are designed to respond to each person’s needs and desires, as well as to reflect and appreciate each person’s unique personality. Services are designed first and foremost for people with disabilities; however, we recognize the importance of family in supporting people throughout their lives. The Arc’s staff bring commitment, experience, and education to support and promote opportunities for people to achieve full community lives. Supports are provided under the following program areas:
Day & Supported Retirement Services
People with disabilities who don't work a full-time job can receive services through The Arc's Day Program. Services include support to explore, discover, and participate in integrated community experiences such as learning, recreation, personal enrichment, and volunteer opportunities.
Community Development Services
Our Community Development Services provide individualized supports for people involved in integrated community settings. These services are meant to foster community connections, social skills, and improve quality of life.
Supported Employment Services
Full community life means having a meaningful job that pays a living wage. The Arc's skilled Employment Specialists not only work to match employers with employees but also provide additional training and give advice.
Supportive Housing Services
Through person-centered planning, those we support develop living arrangements that meet their individual needs and desires and connections that enable them to become valued members of their community.
Project SEARCH
The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program is a one-year internship program for students with disabilities in their last year of high school and DDA and DORS eligible. Students in the program work with a team that includes their family, a special education teacher, and The Arc of Howard County in partnership with additional community organizations.
Affiliations
